And down the stretch they come

Green Bay - Going to have some more numbers on this topic, likely on Tuesday, but wanted to take a quick look where we stand with six games left in the battle for the NFC North.

Or as we like to call it (and totally stealing from the Daily Show):

The Long Flat Seemingly Endless Bataan Death March to the NFC North title

Before we get to the "remaining schedule chart," a few notes:

The "Opp. Rec. H/A" is the opponents' record either home or away, depending on where the game is being played. For example, New Orleans' record is 4-1 against the Packers because the Saints are 4-1 at the Superdome this season, where they will play the Packers.

The Vikings have by far the hardest schedule, with four of six teams being .500 or better -- and they still have one game with Detroit left (something Chicago can't say).

The Packers and Bears play three teams that are below .500.

The Packers are playing most of their teams at the right place. Houston, Jacksonville and Detroit are a combined 1-13 where the Packers play them.

The Bears have it much tougher in that respect. They get Houston in Houston, where the Texans are 3-2 (compared to 0-5 on the road). And Jacksonville is much better on the road 3-2 than they are at home, where the Packers get them.

The Packers have two short weeks because of Monday night games.

The Bears have one extremely short week (vs. NO) because of Thursday night game. But if Chicago can come through there, they will have 11 days to prepare for what could be the NFC North championship game against Green Bay at Soldiers Field in Week 16.